Adil Raza Khan | March 29, 2025
One of the most common questions from expats and non-residents is if they can buy property in Dubai. And the answer is yes, absolutely. Generally, Dubai has opened its doors to foreign investors and has implemented regulations that attract global investments. Understandably, these investment opportunities for foreigners are also met with certain conditions.
Let’s dive into the details.
In Dubai, foreigners and expatriate residents are allowed to purchase and have rights in areas known as freehold zones. In essence, there are two ownership rights in Dubai, freehold and leasehold.
Consequently, most foreign investors opt for freehold ownership rights, while some prefer short-term leasehold ownership. Additionally, there is no age limit for owning a property in Dubai for foreigners.
Freehold areas and leasehold areas are the main choices where foreigners buy property in Dubai. To add, the type of properties that you buy will reflect on your investment goals. Let’s take a look at the two main options.
Freehold property in Dubai for foreigners is the most popular choice because they offer 100% ownership of both the property and the land it’s built on. As the owner, you can lease, sell, or modify the property as you please. Accordingly, these freehold areas are designated by the Dubai Land Department. Some of the most sought-after Dubai freehold areas are:
Freehold zones are typically located in well-connected areas close to essential destinations.
If you’re buying a property in Dubai but are not looking for full ownership, the leasehold properties are a good option. In contrast to freehold properties, you do not own the property or land in a leasehold area. However, you are entitled to use and benefit from it for up to 99 years. After which, the ownership will revert back to the freehold owner. Additionally, you will not be able to change or remodel the property without permission from the freeholder.
Popular leasehold zones where foreigners buy property in Dubai include:
Yes. Foreigners can buy commercial properties in Dubai, whether that be office spaces, retail units, industry facilities, and more. Similarly, commercial properties in Dubai are also categorized between freezone areas and leasehold areas. The freezone areas like Business Bay and Jebel Ali grant foreigners full ownership rights for commercial properties. Meanwhile, leasehold zones such as Dubai Investment Park and Dubai Industrial City only permit limited rights on commercial properties for up to 99 years.
Buying properties through mortgages is not only for Emiratis because foreigners can buy properties in Dubai through mortgages. However, there are several general conditions you need to know before applying for a mortgage.
In essence, foreigners can buy properties in Dubai and have two types of ownership options. Freehold and leasehold have their own benefits and considerations that you need to take into account. Additionally, you can even invest in residential or commercial properties and apply for a mortgage.Since its implementation of new rules in 2002, Dubai has opened up a more welcoming real estate market for non-UAE nationals. The city is bound for more changes and more advantageous property laws for foreigners. Hence, now is a great time for foreigners to buy property in Dubai. Plus, with a reliable partner like APIL Properties, you can ensure a simple and trusty process.
Where can foreigners buy properties in Dubai?
Foreigners can buy properties in freehold or freezone areas and leasehold areas. Depending on your investment goal, you can opt for full ownership rights or a limited ownership option.
Can foreigners buy commercial property in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can buy properties for business purposes.
Can foreigners get a mortgage to buy properties in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can have up to an 80% mortgage to buy property in Dubai. Additionally, there are certain conditions that investors have to meet before getting a mortgage. This includes age limit, monthly income, specific developers and projects, and the country of origin.
Dubai Hills Estate's Hills Grove, also called popularly as the "Street of Dreams", scored a record with the the selling of its nine-bedroom mansion for AED 200 million. 2 months before it, the community had witnessed the sale of yet another luxury property for AED 125 Million whose record the newer one surpassed this time.
These facts and figures establish how frequently Dubai Hills Estate attracts high-net-worth property investors and end users.
Properties for sale in Dubai Hills Estate do not stay vacant for long. Plus, property buyers do not entertain second thoughts before paying handsomely for the luxury property segment here. Ranging from apartments in the skyscrapers to sprawling classy villas and luxury townhouses– the choices are diverse and each has an aura of sophistication around them in their own unique ways.
Dubai Hills estate is a community that has been grabbing the attention of investors from across the globe now. Reports say, people from the United States and Canada are showing increasing attention to invest here.
46+% is the capital appreciation Dubai Hills Estate has witnessed recently. A strong rental yield of around 6.30+% makes it even more investment-worthy.
Besides housing the famous Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Hills Golf Club, arrays of accommodation choices are here, including townhouses, villas, apartments, and also plots for sale to custom build your own dream house. Plus, with Downtown Dubai just 20 minutes away, this luxury gated community has been increasingly grabbing the attention of all. Nevertheless, collect more information here before jumping to the conclusion that it is the best one for you.
These days investors from overseas assume Palm Jumeirah is the only exclusive gated community in Dubai for luxury property investment. Proving their source of information questionable, Emirates Hills glows in its pride of being one of the most prestigious and exclusive gated communities in Dubai.
High-net-worth property buyers and investors often face the dilemma of whether to opt for Emirates Hills or Palm Jumeirah. Both exemplify Dubai luxury living extravagantly.
Today, we are composing this piece of content to ease your dilemma by highlighting what differentiates Emirates Hills and Palm Jumeirah.
Established in 2003 by the Emaar Properties, it was one of the first few freehold property areas in Dubai. It saw and marked the beginning of foreigners buying and investing on properties in Dubai. Popularly nicknamed as ‘Beverly Hills of Dubai’, Emirates Hills is an opulent destination for high-profile residents.
Palm Jumeirah, world’s largest man-made archipelago on the Persian Gulf, has the world’s attention grabbed and interest piqued for sure. It was built in 2001 by Nakheel Properties. Staying here is a matter of prestige, owing to its iconic shape that is synonymous to Dubai city itself. Built entirely using Rocks and Sand only, the total area of Palm Jumeirah can easily accommodate 600+ football pitches! Luxury villas, high-rise posh apartments and elegant hotels & resorts–you have it all here.
